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From: PaulineG
Date: 07-31-2007, 09:54 PM (1 of 6)
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I've been asked to make some leotards for the school production but the fabric they've purchased is a stretch velvet (it is very pretty though) instead of lycra. Any ideas how to get this to work. I was thinking I'd put elastic in neck, armholes and legholes (slightly gathered) and lengthen the body slightly and hope that does the job. Any other, better ideas?
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Alexalter
Date: 07-31-2007, 10:50 PM (2 of 6)
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I think that you are on the right track. Even with 4 way stretch you would put the greatest stretch going around the body. I would them with a snap crotch so that if they need more lenght, you can add an extension. When I have made bodysuits, I use clear elastic for the legs. Wouldn't think that you would need to add it around the armholes or the neck unless there was a gapping problem. Just my experience. Hope that it helps Tami |
User: Alexalter
Member since: 07-26-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: AngieM2
Date: 08-13-2007, 01:31 AM (3 of 6)
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Hi there,,,, I make ice skating dresses and sometimes have ended up with 2way stretch. I usually base what I'm making off a Kwik Sew pattern. If 2-way - make it go around the body. Most scoop necklines have a light layer of elastic (clear swimsuit elastic is my favorite) in them with not much stretching done. It's basically to keep as a facing, and not making the neck stretch out and ruffle... I've not done elastic on anything other than puffy sleeves. The sleeves - stretch around the arm.. Do enlongate the pattern some since they cannot stretch up with this... is this for acrobatic actors or dancing actors, etc or other - - that will needed to be taken into consideration when you make the girth longer. Also, I've found that using a tiny zigzag for the stitching on the seam is best, and then I put a second row in the 1/4 inch seam allowance - mine don't come apart. Use the triple stitch zigzag to apply the elastic (you probably already know that ) then fold under and the narrow zigzag down. (narrow zig zag = 2.5 wide 2.0 length) And I've been doing this since 1989, and even this weekend have been making a Competition Ice Skating dress in stretch velvet.... Only telling you this so you'll know that I've done it a few times before. Hope this helps you some. Angie |
User: AngieM2
Member since: 03-14-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 08-13-2007, 02:07 AM (4 of 6)
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Thanks Tami and Angie, Well they've gone from a traditional leotard to more of a swimsuit type of design with quite thick straps. This was mostly for reasons of aesthetics as it gives a square neck sort of look. It also alleviated the need to put elastic around a curve which was something I wasn't really looking forward too. And I got a serger for my birthday - just in time - I'm glad I didn't rush with making them as I'll get (fingers crossed) a much nicer finish now. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: Corinna29
Date: 08-13-2007, 07:44 AM (5 of 6)
| As a former dancer in leotards, please don't put snaps in the crotch, it can be most embarrassing if they come undone. |
User: Corinna29
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 44 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 08-13-2007, 08:58 AM (6 of 6)
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That was another reason I went for the neckline with straps instead of all in one. I'm leaving the straps unstitched at the back so I can fit them to the girls individually.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
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